The Power of Racism

Michael Baisden leading the charge PUBLISHER'S PEACE Power Player of the Week Michael Baisden, a Chicago native born June 26, 1963, has redefined the book industry when he self published his first book, 'Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat'. The controversial book of short stories sold over 50,000 copies during the first eight months, with more than 300,000 copies nationally. A staggering figure considering that Michael had no experience as a book publisher. "Achieving success is all about being determined and avoiding negative people," he said. "There is no such thing as neutral people, they're either a help or hindrance." In 1997 Michael self published his second book, 'Men Cry in the Dark', becoming the most popular book ever amongst African American men and was adapted to a stage play in 2002. In 1999, Michael self published his third book, 'The Maintenance Man', which was also adapted into a stage play. TBTNewsService.com Power Player of the Week, Mr. Baisden has been active the last year hosting gatherings with hundreds of thousands of people across the country getting them involved in the power or mentoring. What a Mentor Is? Mentor is defined as a trusted friend, counselor, or guide. Mentoring is a structured relationship bringing young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character needed for a successful future. A mentor provides young people with support, counsel, friendship and reinforcement. Mentors are good listeners, caring people who wants to help. All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society but not all have the support needed to recognize their strengths. If you are dedicated and ready to help change young lives in a positive way, become a mentor! Email midwestgap@yahoo.com to volunteer and join Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC) to help build the next generation of leaders. Correspondent: MG Media CELEBRITY TRAFFIC C. Dwayne West hanging at NBC event at Trump Hotel (photo: ZH) The president and first lady arrive at recent state dinner Actors Hill Harper and Alfre Woodard enjoys red carpet event COMMENTARY The Power of Racism I'm in support of historic organizations like National Organization of Women (NOW), NAACP, Urban League, Operation PUSH, Jewish Federation, SCLC, ACLU and other watch dog groups overseeing and protecting the rights and freedoms of their selective groups. These long standing groups have done amazing work to keep the Constitution applied to every person. And these organizations are mainly supported by life long members, new progressive thinking members and corporate and private donors. I'll like to believe in 2010, these groups are still relevant, but their mission should be changing with the new dynamics of America and how this country has changed over the last few decades, especially regarding race and women's rights. I would like to think the same discussions our forefathers had fifty years ago have elevated to more inclusive and decisive issues. I've been reluctantly listening and watching talking heads on all sides debate the issues of race. This discussion got started on the eve of president Obama's inaugural celebration as the first Black elected as the CEO of the free word. People wanted to use that moment to look at how the future of race relations will be dealt with since and during the presidency of Barack. I must admit, the direction of the dialogue has not been good lately. Racism is a powerful drug that has been induced in the hearts and minds of many, and that will never completely change. I believe as decades have passed, the level of racism has decreased and through the importance of self preservation, we all have become connected. So, I absolutely believe the issue of racism and other discriminatory practices throughout the world will never be dealt with effectively until white people stand up collectively and denounce it at every corner of the earth. The reasoning for that statement is you have to find the root of the problem and have those roots crushed and destroyed. Racism was instituted by whites, so therefore they must use their voice to crush it and destroy a system their ancestors created and passed on mentally and unconsciously. This is not a bad thing; it's the hard core facts. And whenever there are issues of overt racism, which can be proven and deliberate, whites must join hands with the ones being discriminated against, whether it's Black, Hispanics are others and produce the loudest outcry. I subscribed to the speech of the famous Dr. King, proclaiming one day all God's children of all colors will sit under the apple tree and share the fruits of his generation's sacrifice and labor, to one day work hand in hand planting more plentiful trees to harvest. Today, that dream is being challenged with the recent fighting between an iconic group in the NAACP vs. the newly formed and powerful Tea Party movement. These two groups have blindly engaged in racist ramblings, blaming the other for being soft and insensitive to racist comments coming from both sides. They both have a personal point, but they're forgetting, or maybe they're not forgetting; we the people don't want to go back to the 1950's with this kind of shouting and color barrier positioning. We've worked hard to join one perfect union, and no one is foolish enough to think the struggle is over, but we've gained great progress as generations of new people want to unite and survive in this country raising families and building something for the next generation to advance. Maybe it's the will of the few within these fringe groups to use this issue and other issues to bring credibility and or attention to themselves. Hopefully they want sacrifice the good people of this great nation to build their bridges to prosperity and relevance, while the common people are left defending their unwanted propaganda behind closed doors, separated and unequal. Peace and one love. Correspondent: CDW HEADLINES Mikkey Halsted Producer Beat Battle, 7/22 at Reggie's Rock Club 2109 S. State, to submit demos email mikkeyevents@gmail.com, for info mikkeyhalsted.com / The TRUTH Salutes...Legends & Pioneers in Radio, 8/19 at Red Kiva / State Farm presents The Black Women's Expo 8/7 - 8/8 at McCormick Place, for tickets and info 312.243.3554/theblackwomensexpo.com / Summer Breeze Jazz Series at Red Kiva every Wednesday from 6pm - 8pm / Macy's Glamorama at Chicago Theater, 8/13 starring Macy Gray / South Central Community Services presents Casino Magic Las Vegas Affair, 8/27 at Horseshoe Casino, for infor call 773.483.0900 ext 231 / Jesse Jackson, Jr. Hit the Greens Golf Classic, 8/9 at Tuckaway Golf Club in Crete, for info jacksonannualgolf.com / QBG Foundation/Citizen Newspaper Annual Scholarship Dinner, 8/31, at Hyatt Regency featuring the Chi-Lites, for info 773.783.1251/qbgfoundationgala.eventbrite.com / BIZBASH Expo & Awards at Merchandise Mart, 8/19 with industry leaders in event planning, for info bizbashchicagoexpo.com / Chicago's 52nd Air & Water Show, 8/14 - 15 on lake front with U.S. Navy Leap Frogs & U.S. Army Parachute team Golden Knights.... Please email press releases to midwestgap@yahoo.com for submissions into HEADLINES Building the Next Generation of Leaders CEO, MG Media: C. Dwayne West, Associate Editor: Hope Miles Business Development: Karen Black, Kenneth Robinson, Tara Stamps, Justice Stamps Contributing Correspondents: K.O.W., Afrika. Marketing/PR: MG Media, Miles Media Marketing, Atwintoo Production Additional Contributors: TRUTH 4 Literacy after school mentor program, Marion Stamps Youth Foundation, We Break Bread, Hip Hip Against H.I.V. awarness & prevention campaign, Russell Barnes, Louis Byrd, Charisse Linder, Hiltron Bailey, Nolen James @ 2010 MG Media is the parent company of TBTNewsService.com and no works of words or images may be reproduced without the written consent of CEO of MG Media - 312.980.2681    ©2010 TBTNewsService | MG Media - PO Box 19082 Chgo, IL 60619 Powered by Mad Mimi®